Collaborative Research between PtBio Inc. and Universiti Malaya (UM)

PtBio Inc. is proud to announce a collaborative research initiative with the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR) at Universiti Malaya. This project focuses on the enhancement of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), a remarkable medicinal herb often called a "Global Panacea" by the World Health Organization due to its vast health benefits.

The Challenge

Purslane is naturally rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and lowering triglycerides. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating lipid biosynthesis are not yet fully elucidated.

Our Approach

By combining PtBio’s expertise in bioinformatics and genome editing with Universiti Malaya’s strength in plant tissue culture, we aim to:

• Map the Genome: Utilize RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify the specific genes responsible for lipid synthesis.

• Analyze Metabolism: Study how the plant processes nutrients to find the exact "branchpoints" where lipid production can be improved.

• Precision Editing: Apply precision genome editing to develop new Purslane materials with significantly higher levels of healthy lipids.

The Goal

Our mission is to create high-quality plant materials that can be used in high-value health supplements, bringing the power of plant-based Omega-3s to the global market.